Reynolds was born in Craig County, Virginia, USA, on 18 October 1872, to parents John Anderson Reynolds Sr. (1834–1885) and Lucinda Ann Snodgrass (1834–1895). She had eight siblings (four brothers and four sisters), all of whom she outlived. After her father’s death when she was 12, her family moved to Roane County, where she lived most of her life. She had one daughter, Ethel (married Keen).

Around the age of 102, she broke her hip. She was a member of Newton Baptist Church. Her niece, Vonnie Looney (1893–2003), daughter of her sister Frances Mae McGlothlin (1865–1911), died at the age of 110 years, 122 days.

Reynolds passed away in Spencer, West Virginia, USA, on 14 July 1983, at the age of 110 years, 269 days. She was survived by her daughter, three grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren.